""

I hope he buys you flowers

I hope he holds your hand

Give you all his hours

When he has the chance

10 » archie andrews

Here marks the beginning of another Monday morning. Since nightmares have been waking me up earlier nowadays, I have enough time to eat breakfast. So, I swallow my generous bowl of Frosted Flakes, the milk leaving a mustache. I genuinely laugh out loud as I tried to capture it for my Snapchat, but then my heart suddenly swells when Betty's name appears on my phone. Disregarding the silly picture, I quickly open the notification. We've not talked since Friday and part of me longs to be more involved in her life, especially now that we've seen and experienced the same, haunting things. As obvious as it seems, in a way, I just want to be there for her, always. That's how it should've always been, actually.

Betty (1)

Hey, walk me to school?

I notice two minutes have passed and I quickly answer before she decides to go on her own. I type, "of course, be there in a minute." I gently toss my bowl in the sink, running to the bathroom to brush my teeth. For some reason, I'm rushing to get the toothbrush in and out of my mouth, but I still do a sufficient job. I smile once to check out my teeth and wipe my face with a towel, before grabbing my backpack and swinging the door open.

"Morning, Arch," She beams, her hair tied back in her ordinary ponytail. I return the smile and lock the door, and follow her down the sidewalk.

We're catching up, even though it's only been a weekend. I tell her that Adrianna and I decided to remain friends after Friday's date. She rests her hand on my shoulder to comfort me, but the truth is, Adrianna and I hardly shared anything electric, even when I tried to kiss her, it failed. She even called me out on my apparent jealousy during dinner, which of course I couldn't deny. I'm sure the story about me hurting Betty when I kissed Veronica pushed her off the edge.

"Reg and I went to Centerville, Arch, and you wouldn't believe what happened," starts Betty, and I immediately lose my glistening expression. Please don't give me details, I think, if she did in fact do what I think she did with Reggie that night.

She continues, "We stopped at a gas station, and this random stranger, he creeped the living hell out of me."

Ridding myself of envy, I suddenly develop intense worry and my inner need to protect her jabs me in the stomach. "What'd he do?" I blurt out, before readjusting my backpack tighter to distract me from my frustration. I can't imagine the possible things I'd do to him if I'd been there.

She mentions the mysterious guy calling Reggie a pervert for kissing her in public, and as she continues speaking, I feel occasional goosebumps appear on my skin. And, admittedly, when Betty tells me about Reggie coming in her defense, I'm selfishly wishing that I'd been the one there instead of him.

"And then the guy just followed me outside. He burst on me about a fixation on his Oedipus complex, which is really freaking creepy."

"Oedipus...?" I mutter, trying to recollect any history I've associated with that name.

Luckily, Betty explains, "It's when a young boy has unconscious sexual feelings for his mom and wants to remove his father from the narrative."

"Pffft," I begin to laugh, but then I realize Betty's not as entertained nearly as much as I am. "Wow, what a creep."

"Yeah, but then he went off, Arch. He told me he didn't have a sister, a dad, or a mom," She says, "So, of course I had to dig."

Hesitantly, I swallow. "Oh gosh, Betts. What'd you find?"

"Well, I went back to the gas station, and bribed the guy to tell me his name. His name is Charles Smith, according to his credit card information."

"Anything bad tied to him?"

Betty trembles as she speaks, pausing for a long moment. "H-He lived at an adoption home for most of his youth."

Truthfully, I don't understand how that can concern Betty so much. Because he was an orphan? Betty clearly shakes away the thought and focuses on something else, but I could tell she's hiding something from me, and as much as that known fact bothers me, I let it slide, she's been through so much already.

Because she does look a bit embarrassed to admit anything, I reply, "Remember if you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, I'm right next door. Give me a call and I'll be there."

Betty smiles, and then thanks me. We reach the front of the school and part ways for first period. Just before I could open the door, a body crashes into me, wearing the same exact letterman jacket as I am.

"Excuse you," I groan, readjusting my jacket where he crashed.

Surprisingly, Reggie actually seems apologetic, but not because he shoved me. He initially hesitates to speak. "Have you talked to Betty?"

"Yeah, just this morning. Why?"

"Well, on Saturday–"

I decide to interrupt him before having to suffer the details about Reggie having sex with my best friend. "If what I think happened happened, spare me the details, dude, please."

"Woah, you seriously don't know," Reggie says, shocked.

I squint my eyebrows rather than verbally question his comment. He sighs, just as the late bell rings, so he promises to tell me later as I sprint on over to my first period class.

Turns out, Reggie doesn't have to verbally tell me. Rumors spread quick at Riverdale High, so the news that Betty and Reggie broke up became known to almost everyone as soon as Cheryl opened her huge mouth. And to be completely honest, I'm sick out of my mind that Reggie would do that, and to talk to me so casually this morning as if everything was swell. Like he didn't just betray my best friend. I want to pound my fist through his face, but more importantly, I'm concerned with how Betty must be holding up. But, selfishly, I'm glad she did not end up sleeping with Reggie.

The entire period I try not to think about it, but I can't help that my frustration continues to grow exceptionally.

So, next thing I knew, I was begging Cheryl to shut the hell up, and pinning Reggie to the hard surface of his locker.

"Why the hell would you do that to her, dude?" My fists wrap tighter around the collar of his shirt.

He shrugs, clearly trying his best not to fight back and only to defend himself. "I'm sorry, I really am, Andrews."

"Oh, you're sorry? You never deserved her, and I should've known," I snicker, releasing my grip, feeling as though I've got my point across.

Calmly, Reggie groans again. He lets me push him deeper without question. "I-I didn't actually think I'd care about her so much, Archie. I swear. It's... more than that. At least it was."

Before I could answer, Coach walks in and forces us to return to practice. Though I've got enough time to analyze his expression and whether or not he's being honest. And, by the looks of it, he actually seems sorry. The effects of falling for Betty Cooper. Who woulda thought Reggie fucking Mantle?

I decide not to be aggressive nor rough on him during practice, even though I have multiple opportunities. I can't believe I told him he didn't deserve her like somehow, I did. He made her happy for much longer a time than I could ever.

On my way home from practice, the same familiar red car tracks me down, and before I settle in panic mode, I speed up my pace. My house isn't too far away a run, but wheels go much faster than feet. My heart starts racing, full of fear of who could potentially be driving that vehicle.

"Archie!" shouts the hoarse voice of my friend, and sometimes, enemy.

Reggie turns into the parking spot right next to me. I glare at him, but I understand how desperate he must be to talk if he actually allows himself to be vulnerable.

"About Betty..."

I stop, "She most likely doesn't want to talk to you."

"I know," Reggie nods. "But I want your help. I need to plan out a perfect night for her. Help win her back, what do ya think?"

"Do you not understand what doesn't want to talk to you means, dude?" I grumble, entertained at how pathetic he's acting.

"Yeah, she doesn't, but I at least want to make things right. Even if she decides it's not right."

I roll my eyes. He's definitely trying to manipulate me into helping him, and it's working. "I care about her, and I don't think she'll want anything to do with you."

Reggie sighs, turning off his car engine and meeting me outside. He walks out in a relaxed fashion. His words don't match his expression at all. "Did you see her have a breakdown in the car? Aren't you the one who helped? So, why won't you help me fix our breakup?"

I continue walking, not really caring if I was rude for ignoring him.

"Please, man. She deserves a perfect night. How many Valentine's Days has Betty Cooper talked about in high regard? Zero, and I don't even have to know to know."

"Okay," I finally shrug. "If I help, and Betty hates me for it, you stay away from her."

Reggie nods, a grin growing on his face.

"What do you want me to do?"

Reggie takes a deep breath, a smirk planted on his face. "The perfect night."

Turns out, Reggie's idea of a perfect night is actually ripping off the ideas I gave him of what Betty would like. He did ask for my help, but I didn't think he'd take everything word for word and actually make it happen. Flowers, dozens of them, because they're romantic, but not too girly. And chocolate. She absolutely loves chocolate, only milk or dark. And of course, stuffed animals, books, a movie marathon of all her favorite Christmas movies even though it's out of season. All of it was covered.

"So, we'll have your house set up all romantic, filled with rose petals scattered and pecan scented candles. Got the Pop's takeout for dinner, with milkshakes to drink. And dessert is apple pie?"

"With vanilla ice cream to top," I add, as Reggie checks down his list from top to bottom.

"The gift, that's all that's left. That's the problem. What would she want?"

"No clue," I genuinely reply. I'm getting a bit sick of him pampering me with questions about Betty, when he was the one trying to win her back. Sure, maybe they didn't have enough time yet to learn the important things about each other, whereas, I had an entire lifetime. But spontaneity is fun, and it's particularly Reggie's expertise.

"You made her blush with your Secret Santa gift," Reggie reminisces, trying to tug an answer out from me.

The way he is speaking, a bit presumptive, irks me.

I think deeply before responding. What would she like? Betty's a romantic sucker during Valentine's Day because it's so sappy, and she always goes on about how couples are the cutest thing but that she can't stand them, either. Offsetting, but I love her for it.

"The key is to keep everything Betty centric. She wears pink, and she admires flowers. But I think she'll love a more personal gift, like personalized jewelry, or a heartfelt card. It's not hard to impress her."

"You sound like you know her," Reggie kids around. Obviously, I do. "Now if you excuse me, we have a huge day planned tomorrow night."

Reggie finally leaves my house, promising to check in tomorrow. I suppose he should be a little concerned, if everything doesn't fall into plan.

—

Setting up a delicate white table cover and scattering scented candles around the room, I secretly wonder how Betty will feel. Reggie kept insisting the surprise would be easier if it happens at my place, if I tell her we're having a celebration for my dad's health. But, she's not stupid. It's February 14th, she'll probably have a clue. Yet, I dwell into the idea that she'll just be speechless, swept off her feet as she walks into the room, even if it can't be me who is the one to be credited. She deserves all the happiness in the world, and I could never give that to her completely.

I find myself gazing outside my porch window, distracted in thoughts until I hear my phone ding a couple feet away. I lightly jog over, discovering a few messages, one from Betty, and a whole bunch from Reggie.

Betty (1)

Great, I'll see you later :)

Reggie (6)

ANDREWS!

I got stuck babysitting today, I need a favor

Could you pick up Betty's gift?

I haven't picked it out, but go ahead get her whatever, I'll charge it on my card

Bro, this kid is so fucking stupid

Archie?

Of course, I think, just my luck. Reggie Mantle, born into one of the wealthiest families, needs to babysit, for god knows what. Typical rich people, they stay screwing over the middle class.

I type, I'll look around. But, be sure to get here on time.

Don't let her down, I think, she can't deal with that, not again. After setting everything up and tidying it all for the final time, I grab my keys and head for the mall.

The drive isn't too bad, in fact I kind of enjoy taking a break from everything. I don't particularly choose to spend my weekends doing anything other than sleep, so helping out Reggie is really a one time thing. And it mainly has to do with Betty.

Glancing down at my watch, I take note that I have less than two hours before Betty's gonna arrive at my house. I have to find her gift quick, and I'm a bit frustrated with Reggie for throwing this upon me last minute. But, I think I know Betty enough that this won't be much of a task, but rather a goal.

My feet find themselves rested in front of a jewelry shop, but I can't urge myself to go inside. Suddenly, my mind is telling me not to walk, as my heart pounds excessively. It's not a big deal, I remind myself, except, the last time I went into this store was to buy the locket for Veronica. But, she's different from Betty.

"Can I help you, sir?" A woman's voice startles me, and I realize I look foolishly glued to the floor.

Shyly, I nod, "I just wanna buy a nice Valentine's Day gift, for a friend."

"Alright, I'll show you around, let me know what stands out to you," The woman offers kindly, and I finally enter the store slowly.

After she shows me their collection of jewels, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, I decide to choose something not too costly. Money has been difficult to come by, but I know Betty's worth every penny I spend. And, besides, Reggie will pay me back. It's a gift from him, not me, after all.

I ask the employee who was helping me earlier to closely look at a necklace with a simple, rose gold pendant hanging down the center. A heart wraps around the soft pink jewel, and even though I know nothing about jewelry, I know that that is exactly something Betty would choose out. The clerk already seems to notice me drooling over it, because she's already packing it in a nice velvety white box. After I pay, I rush out the store, only to bump into someone I was hoping not to see at all today.

"Archiekins," Ronnie gently whispers, awkwardly wrapping me in a side hug, "H-How've things been?"

"Everything's fine," I reply, trying to cover the box of jewelry I just bought. I don't need her bombarding me with questions. "You?"

"Actually, I was supposed to have plans with Betty today. But, I haven't exactly spoken to her yet. Listen—"

I interrupt, "She's doing fine, too. Betty wants you to be ready, she doesn't want you to rush."

Veronica agrees, "I'm over it, I really am. And, if that gift you're attempting to hide from my vision gives anything away, I'd say Archibald Andrews finally got his act together."

"No, this is-"

"And, I'm happy for you both! I just needed time."

"Thank you, Ronnie. But, Betty and I, we aren't together. I just picked out a gift for Reggie."

Veronica frowns, eyes rolling, "Fine. I have things to do, though. I'm gonna join Jughead and the Serpents at some drive-in."

"You're... hanging out with Jughead?" As the question leaves my mouth, I almost chuckle.

"Don't get jealous now, Archie," Veronica kids, and we stand there laughing, "but, no worries, everything's completely platonic. I just don't have a best friend right now."

"You will soon," I respond, confidently. One thing's for certain, and it's that Betty and Veronica will be best friends again.

—

On the way home, from picking up the dinner at Pop's, with my last two percent, I instantly snap a picture of Betty's gift and make sure Reggie familiarizes himself with it. I leave my phone to charge as I get dressed— I'm supposed to be their waiter for the night. I thought the idea was a joke, but Reggie seemed to stick with it.

I dress into the outfit Reggie picked out for me—white dress shirt, a casual red bow tie, and a navy blue blazer. It's strange how he has the time to figure out what I'm wearing, but he can't even get Betty's gift on time. As I apply gel in my vibrant red hair, as precise as I can, my father appears behind me, with a suspicious smirk planted on his face in the mirror.

"Special night planned, huh?"

My mouth instantly grins but I've explained to him many times before that our house is simply the destination, but Reggie's the actual date.

"You already know the situation, Dad."

He beams, "I'm just adoring how much you care about your best friend, is all. Betty's like a daughter to me, so if you hurt her-"

"Dad!" I lightly yell, and he leaves the room laughing.

The clock ticks to 7pm, and I'm a bit concerned that Reggie hasn't arrived yet, when the entire surprise is planned for 7. And, he knows Betty likes to arrive promptly to occasions, and she lives next door. I quickly jog to my phone, which is now charged completely, and see a few missed calls from Reggie. He's calling me again just as I pick up the phone.

"Hey, Reggie? Where are you?"

Then, a knock at the door. I start scratching my head nervously, as I peek through the eyehole, seeing Betty and not Reggie.

"Man, I can't make it. You have to be her date," He says, lacking any sort of remorse and suddenly I'm reminded of the actual douchebag Reggie Mantle is.

"What the hell, bro?! I can't just-"

"You can, Andrews. You planned it all out, didn't you?"

"Yeah, I did, but, Reg-"

"I have to go. But, just remember, what's mine is yours," And in some weird way, I could sense the classic Reginald smirk through the phone, and I want to punch him in the gut. He hangs up the line, and Betty knocks at the door again.

Millions of thoughts are suddenly filling my mind, did he plan this the whole time? But, why would Reggie do that? For me, or for Betty? The suspense is killing me, but I know I have to open the door before she decides to leave and call it a night.

And when I hear the door click, her light blue eyes dilate as they look up to mine. I stand there, admiring her natural beauty, and the intimate way her gorgeous, subtle red dress hugs her body.

And, watching her stand so innocently and patiently, as my heart continues to race silently, I begin to realize, maybe Reggie isn't the douche I though he was.

———-

a/n: I apologize for being inactive for so long!! I will try to write more often but it's so difficult with my current schedule. And I've had writer's block ever since riverdale went on break and because barchie (or lack thereof) hasn't inspired me lately. I promise more updates to come.

also, rip Luke Perry :( every scene Archie has with Fred is so heartbreaking now. Sending love and prayers to his friends family.